HOW TO MAKE YOUR WARDROBE PERSONAL

One of humanity’s epic questions – how do I get a versatile wardrobe without drowning in a mountain of clothes? We asked H&M designers Andreas Löwenstam and Ann-Sofie Johansson for advice.

11 April 2016.

ANIMATION: KARL AULIN

HOW DO I KNOW IF A TREND OR KEY ITEM IS FOR ME?H&M Head
of design menswear, Andreas Löwenstam: "Be honest with yourself. It doesn’t matter how trendy
something is if it doesn’t fit. If you are larger than average maybe
the slimmest trends are not for you. Regular clothes that fit always
look better than hip things that don’t. This also applies to sizes,
don’t buy size large just because you always have, try a medium and
see how it looks on."

H&M Creative advisor, Ann-Sofie Johansson: "First of all, never forget that there aren’t really any
no-nos nowadays. Dress as you like, to express who you are and how you
feel. It’s how you feel that matters. If you feel great, you often
look great as well."

H&M Creative advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson, Studio Emma Svensson

WHICH ITEMS ARE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL?Andreas:"One pair of black jeans and one pair of blue. A navy suit,
that’s more versatile than a black, a white shirt and a more casual
one, maybe flannel, denim or plaid. A round neck wool sweater – buy
quality and not to heavy and it’ll work year round. You’ll need a
t-shirt, obviously, go for one with a fun detail like a print or a
pocket. And a pair of tailored trousers. That’s a great foundation for
your wardrobe."

Ann-Sofie:"Start with your underwear. If they don’t
feel right nothing will. Then go for the classic basics. It might
sound boring but this is the base, which lets you go wild with other
stuff. So go for a pair of true blue jeans, a white t-shirt and a
timeless grey sweat that’ll work to most occations. And so will a
white, relaxed fitting shirt. Further, you’ll need a jacket, black is
smart, and black tailored trousers."

Andreas Löwenstam.

If you’re a bit bold try green, more men than you would think
looks good in green.

H&M HEAD OF DESIGN MENSWEAR,
ANDREAS LÖWENSTAM

WHAT ABOUT SHOES?Andreas:"Sneakers are
essential and really work in all situations, but then it’s a matter of
taste if you want to go for a slip on, a runner or a classic trainer.
I also think you’ll need a pair of leather shoes, be it derbies,
oxfords or brogues. A change of shoes can transform an entire outfit."

Ann-Sofie: "I actually think you should have a pair of low leather
shoes, for example loafers or brogues. And something more feminine
like pumps or ballerina slippers. Also, make sure your shoes work
together with the silhuette of the trousers and the overall look."

WHAT RULES ABOUT COLOUR DO I NEED TO KNOW?Andreas:"You only need one advice: All men looks good in navy.
Besides that have in mind that if you are light-skinned it’s harder to
pull off strong accent colours. And if you’re a bit bold try green,
more men than you would think looks good in green."

Ann-Sofie:"There are all these old rules of thumb
that are totally out-dated. For example, back in the days it was
forbidden to mix cold and warm colors, but that can be super stylish."

HOW DO I PULL OFF SOMETHING A BIT MORE EDGY?Andreas:"Keep the rest of the outfit very basic. It’s easier to make
one special item work at a time."

Ann-Sofie:"Give it time, be patient. Get used to it
by wearing it at home a couple of times, waiting for the right occasion."

WHEN NOTHING WORKS, WHAT TO DO?Andreas:"Go
for something black – that’s always safe. I call black a mood colour,
works in every mood. I mean, if you were sad, you wouldn’t want to
dress all white."

Ann-Sofie:"Stay home! Haha. No, just remember that
this happens to everyone. You can’t be perfect every day, can’t win
them all. Go back to basics and start over with jeans, t-shirt and a jacket."

Sign up for newsletter

H&M’s business concept is to offer fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way. H&M has since it was founded in 1947 grown into one of the world's leading fashion companies. The content of this site is copyright-protected and is the property of H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB.